The rise of social media means that pretty much anyone with an internet connection can become a celebrity, influencer, or viral sensation. There are many ways to use social media for Christian impact, but many Christians are unprepared for the spiritual battle they face when they log on to social media platforms. Many people don’t come with their full armor of spirituality, but instead they let their guard down, and the enemy can use them to the fullest extent. Some may think it’s ridiculous to consider social media as spiritual warfare, so here are seven reasons that it is. As we go through these reasons, I would like you to ask yourself the following: Why am I consuming this news stream, website, or app? Is my use of social media honoring to God?
Idolatry
When we think of idolatry, we think of the Israelites and the golden calf, the Greeks with their many gods and temples, or maybe some other man-made monument or image. The argument is that we tend to think of idolatry as involving only the use of tangible idols. But whatever takes the place of the Lord God on the throne of our hearts is an idol. That is to say, money, sex, fame, time, our marriage, our kids, food, exercise, our “brand”—well, you get the point. If there is something above the Lord God in your life, it can become an idol.”
The devil is a master at manipulating God’s good gifts like our jobs, sex, food, families, etc. and getting us to take shortcuts to get them ourselves instead of waiting for God to provide for us. Idolatry is basically the thought that God is not sufficient to meet our needs and desires. This is all over our social media feeds. We need to put on the full armor of God to use social media because we are only truly fulfilled and satisfied in God. David says in Psalm 34, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who is comforted by him! Don’t look for fulfillment in your social media followers and likes. I implore you, taste the Lord today.
Idleness
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past few years, you already know that social media promotes inactivity. Most platforms use algorithms to keep you engaged by regularly showing you posts that are personally relevant to you in your news feed. Unfortunately, this also means that you cannot make use of your time efficiently. The Thessalonians had a similar problem, but for different reasons. Paul’s discussion of idleness in 2 Thessalonians 3 is especially blunt in lines 7-11. “Let him not eat if he will not work,” he says. We have heard that there are some of you who are lazy people who are not working hard.
The problem of idleness is a long-standing struggle for believers, even before the advent of smartphones. “But what’s the deal with chilling and scrolling through my feed?” someone might ask. Some of the problems social networking causes, such as anxiety and sadness, are addressed in an essay from McLean Hospital. And it’s troubling to Christians too when we are on social media more than we are in God’s Word. How much more time could you spend on Bible study, praying for others, and talking with others about how the Gospel has changed your life? Social media can make you famous for a moment, but the Gospel can change lives for eternity.
Read Also: Christian Fitness Guide: How to Exercise and Care for Your Body as God’s Temple
Isolation
Perhaps the greatest irony of social media is that, while it was touted as a means of building community, it has quickly become a textbook example of isolationism. Social media lets us communicate across time and geography, but it can become another mask we wear for the outside world. The myriad of effects, touch-ups, and filters hide our perceived imperfections and shape the picture we want others to see. Social media allows us to show our best selves, but in doing so, we isolate ourselves from the other people. Doubts begin to creep in: Am I liked for who I am or for the persona I’m putting out on my feed? The mask remains on for increasingly long periods of time.
We become caught up in the virtual “reality” at the expense of human relationships. Instead, the freedom of social media turns into a prison that we are locked up in; connection gives way to isolation. “Isolation happens slowly. First, missing church services or other regular activities for a week or two in a row. Second, slowing down responses to texts and calls. Third, withdrawing from social interactions. And finally, avoiding as much unwanted contact as possible. But the Bible says otherwise. Christians aren’t to be lone rangers. We are told, rather, to gather together, to encourage one another, to bear one another’s burdens. If you are going into solitude, find a trusted Christian brother or sister who will stand by you through the hard times.
The “I” Factor
Perhaps the selfie encapsulates the spirit of social media. Also, the “I” aspect, or the self, is at the heart of the selfie. It’s putting yourself ahead of everything else. This is a far cry from the command of God to Christians, as Jesus commands us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. The self-glorification of social media feeds heavily into the idea that all we need to be happy is to follow our feelings. The news stream is flooded with positive thoughts, especially at the beginning of the year. The Bible, however, tells us that the heart is sick and deceitful beyond measure.
All forms of evil and wickedness, according to Jesus, come from our souls. In fact, this “I” factor is not about what we can do, but about what Christ did in the past. Paul writes of this in his letters. Christians have partaken of Christ’s crucifixion. Christ now lives in us, instead of us. And it is because of our faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us, that we are able to live this life in the flesh. We must also “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.”
If you still don’t get it, let me explain. It’s not about YOU! Christians are redeemed not to promote themselves and their deeds, but to honor and glorify God. Is that the message your social media profile sends to the world? If not, spend some time in prayer, asking God to help you examine your motives and heart.
Hidden Messages
No, this is not about the fake secret messages of National Treasure or The DaVinci Code. This is about the constant flow of information we accidentally process when we use social media. The more we hear an idea, the more we believe it to be true. Tacit approbation results from regular exposure to ideas and thinking. We begin to accept the condition as “normal” and forget how serious it is. As Christians we need to remember that the world’s morals, values, and standards are in opposition to the morals, values, and standards of God’s kingdom. That is not bad in and of itself.
We are to be in the world, but not of the world. So, we need to be aware of the times the world is influencing our beliefs, rather than God’s Word. This has direct implications for our relationships with other people and the role of loneliness in our Christian life. We need Christian brothers and sisters in our lives who will gently rebuke us when we start to stray. It is also important to study and be well versed in God’s Word. If we don’t know and understand God’s Word, we’re stepping into spiritual combat unarmed. While deception is a destructive weapon of the enemy, the truth of God’s Word is a solid foundation upon which to stand to oppose the devil’s schemes. We urge you to read the Bible, compare the wisdom of the world with the truth of Scripture, and, above all, guard your heart.
Covetousness
You may find yourself trying to keep up with the Kardashians or many other famous “reality” stars, whereas your parents and grandparents may have tried to keep up with the Jones’. Social media fuels covetousness. We don’t need the paparazzi anymore to know what the rich and famous are up to. All you need to do is follow them on social media, and you’ll get tons of info—filtered appropriately, of course! Whether you are covetous or not, you should enter social media with the right attitude and spirit. The first step in doing that is to focus on what God has given you.” Chapter four of Philippians provides profound guidance on prioritizing God. Rejoice in the Lord always. Thank Him. Rest in His peace. Meditate on what is pure, what is beautiful, what is just, what is noble, and what is true. And as we do this, God will change our desires so that we can say like Paul that without Christ, all is meaningless.
As social media has grown, it has presented a number of challenges for Christians and their relationship with the Lord. And it offers a mighty platform to share the gospel. “Christians who use these sites need to be prepared intellectually and spiritually to deal with the dangers of social media. But be changed by the renewing of your mind. We want to draw your attention to the Lord and His righteousness as you engage with culture on social media.
